Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Proverbs 4:26 –

The steering wheel is grasped tightly at the clock positions of ten and two. The road sprawls in front of me, revealing the great yellow divide. The sky harbors docile white clouds on a canvas of brilliant blue. The destination…Anywhere.

When driving we feel in control. Our feet work the pedals, our hands turn the wheel. The car wouldn’t  move well or smoothly without us. We often approach life the same way, we think we are in control. Steering life by the decisions, and choices we make. Accelerating through situations we want to avoid and slowing through other areas we should avoid. Funny thing control, just when you think you have it, you find out you don’t.

Being the parent of four wonderful kids, control can be fleeting. What works for one in no way works for the next. As much as we want to think it does, we are sorely mistaken. The expectations on the third are not the same as the first, the second lies in wait, and the last, well, that is a big mixed bag. We will by trial and error, God willing find what works best for each. The key? Relinquishing control to the only one who is in control…Jesus.

I’ve repeatedly given control to Him, only to find myself grasping for it like a life ring thinking it will save me. It is when I take it back that I find I make a mess of it. I’ve tried to control the outcome of my kids choices and decisions, the result had stunted growth for them in learning life, and consequences, choices and reward. Oh what a fool. Yet grace abounds, we realize our error, learning and trying again to relinquish and obey.

Holding the steering wheel of life with our precious cargo buckled tightly in their seats, we press on the gas to motor on. Doing our best to follow the map, watch for signs and enjoying the view. 

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6